By
Alice Chambers |
MSC Group’s new luxury cruise brand Explora Journeys celebrated the beginning of construction work on Explora II with a keel-laying ceremony at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Castellammare di Stabia, Italy, on 5 May 2022.
Explora II is the second of four luxury ships and will be delivered in summer 2024. A sister ship, Explora I, which is currently at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, will be delivered to the cruise line at the end of May 2023.
The keel-laying event was attended by senior executives of Explora Journeys and the shipyard.
“We are thrilled to witness this key milestone for Explora Journeys, which signals our firm commitment to launch a luxury lifestyle brand that incorporates effective sustainability planning and maximises social and economic benefits for the communities that our ships will visit and leave a positive legacy for the next generation,” said Michael Ungerer, CEO of Explora Journeys.
Explora II will feature 461 oceanfront suites, penthouses and residences, as well as nine restaurants, 10 indoor and outdoor bars and lounges, four swimming pools, extensive outdoor decks with private cabanas, wellness facilities and refined entertainment.